Certification Process for Clinicians

APSATS has approved the following certification process for those clinicians who have completed the 4 day APSATS MPTM Certification Training program . Once the applicant has successfully completed the training and receives a certificate of completion of the program, the applicant will then complete the following requirements for consideration for Certification by APSATS as a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS).


Certification is designed to take place no earlier than 9 months, and must be completed within a 2 year (24 month) time period after taking the APSATS MPTM Certification Training program. Please note that these requirements are our initial requirements. We reserve the right to make changes to these requirements in the future as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

 

To become certified as an APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS), the candidate must meet the following requirements:


Licensed Clinician: Be a licensed clinical professional in your state or be able to demonstrate with verifiable documentation that you are qualified to practice as a clinical professional in your country.


Associate/ Intern/ Limited Licensed Clinician: Be licensed as an Associate or Intern clinical professional in your state or be able to demonstrate with verifiable documentation that you are seeking qualifications to practice as a clinical professional in your country.


An Intern/Associate/Limited License Clinician may register for MPTM and begin APSATS consultation supervision upon completion of the MPTM training, however, designation as a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) will not be conferred until the Intern/Associate/Limited License clinician is fully licensed. Until that time, the clinician will have a CCPS-Associate (CCPS-A) designation. When licensure is complete, the individual will contact APSATS, offer documentation showing the newly acquired license, and will then be converted to CCPS. 


ATTENTION!! APSATS certification requirements have changed for clinicians!
In recognition of the changing landscape of our field, and the increased awareness of partner trauma within other training organizations, the APSATS Board of Directors has made the decision to adjust our certification consultation requirements for clinical professionals.


2025 Consultation Hour Requirements:

As of 4/11/2025, APSATS’ new certification consultation supervision requirements are as follows:

  • For Associate/ Intern/ Limited Licensed Clinicians: 30 hours
  • For newly and fully licensed clinicians: 20 hours
  • For CSAT's Clinicians: 15 hours
  • For CPTT's Clinicians: 10 hours


For all levels of education, a minimum of 10 hours of consultation supervision must be completed with an APSATS Primary consultation supervisor. Of these 10 hours, a minimum of 5 hours must occur in a one-to-one consultation setting.  


Additionally, fully licensed and Associate/ Intern/ Limited Licensed clinical candidates may receive up to 6 hours of consultation supervision from APSATS approved CPC Consultation Supervisors.  This opportunity allows and encourages both disciplines to cross train and learn from each other. 


Lastly, any Consultation Supervisor may recommend additional consultation hours if, upon consultation with the other interacting Consultation Supervisors and with notification and discussion with APSATS, they see a need for further consultation.



CCPS Certification Directory Requirements: 

  • Candidates will complete 10 hours of consultation supervision to be eligible for APSATS Directory listing. 
  • Of these 10 hours, 5 hours must be with a primary consultation supervisor – either a coaching or clinical consultation supervisor.



Clinical Application Requirements: 

  • Download and fill out the CCPS Certification Application
  • Verification of 125 hours face-to-face with partners of sex addicts and/or couples occurring after your MPTM Training (application)
  • Primary Consultation Supervisor Evaluation (Appendix A)
  • Consultation Supervisor Verification (Appendix B)
  • Provide two Professional References (Appendix C) *May not be APSATS Consultation Supervisors
  • Additional Work History (Appendix D) (if applicable)
  • Complete written case study (see Appendix E)
  • List of professional affiliations
  • Professional Headshot (Please make sure the chosen picture is appropriate for business purposes.) 
  • Copy of your clinical license
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • Up to date resume or curriculum vitae
  • Proof of completion of required APSATS training (MPTM 4 Day Training)
  • Payment of a $200 application fee ( online payment )


You can download a copy of the application at any time.  It is best to review these requirements as you approach the completion of your required consultation and client hours.

 

Please send all documents as separate files, but together in one email to [email protected]. This process can take up to a few weeks after receipt of your completed packet.


FAQ’s:

Q - I already did more hours than I need, what does that mean for me?

A - Talk to your primary supervisor and start your application for certification today!


Q - Does a dyad count as an individual time?

A - Yes, a dyad can be considered as individual consultation. 


Q - I trained within the last 2 years but didn't get certified, what do I need to do? 

A - Choose a primary consultation supervisor and get started! You can review certification requirements here.


Q - Do I still need a primary consultation supervisor? 

A - Yes - that part hasn't changed, you must complete 10 hours with a primary consultation supervisor. If you need more hours, you may work with a coach consultation supervisor. Find APSATS Consultation Supervisors here.


Q - I took the MPTM training over 2 years ago, can I get straight into supervision? 

A  - If you are CSAT or CPTT and have taken MPTM in the last 3 years, you may begin the certification process immediately by choosing a primary consultation supervisor and getting started. If you are a licensed clinician without a CSAT or CPTT designation and if the 2 year certification period has elapsed since you took the training, you will need to re-take the MPTM training before pursuing certification. You may receive a 75% discount on your registration and can then enter consultation supervision to pursue certification.


IF you are a Betrayed Partner or a Sex Addict in recovery:

We recognize that some of the clinicians and coaches who work in the field of helping betrayed partners, are recovering sex addicts themselves and/or partners who have been betrayed. It is this real-life experience with their own recoveries that adds additional compassion and expertise to the work they do. At the same time, we recognize that these clinicians and coaches have a responsibility to both themselves and their clients to consistently assess how their past experiences may be impacting their current work. Therefore, APSATS has developed a set of guidelines for those we certify as Certified Clinical Partner Specialists and Certified Partner Coaches. Click here to read our guidelines.